By Marty Basch

Tackling Mount Washington is a jewel in the crown of hikers, runners and bikers. I've hiked and biked it. Skied it up and down. I was once a white-knuckled passenger in a vintage 1960 Porsche racing up the curving road and an unwitting commuter in a snow tractor creeping down the mountain in 70 miles per hour winds and whiteout conditions with an intrepid weather observer affixed to a rope outside so the tractor operator could sense the road.

I've been a reporter traveling in the media van countless times as dextrous drivers wind through packs of racing bicyclists or runners not all that pleased being behind the exhaust (and they do comment).

But there is nothing like conquering that rockpile under your own steam. For those who want to do it with others as either a fundraiser or a race, there are many ways in the coming months. For those of you who might not yet be ready to conquer the mountain, head to the hill as a spectator or volunteer. You'll witness incredible episodes of inspirational motivation from the sidelines.

Going up, twice

There's an under-the-radar fundraiser called the Washburn Climb that supports Boston's Museum of Science. Named after the late celebrated mountaineer, map maker, photographer and museum's founding director Brad Washburn, the July 12 climb  is unique in that it not only encourages experienced hikers to trek up to the summit once, but twice in one day. There is even a 60-year-old hiker who plans to try and go up and down an unprecedented three times during this season's climb which starts and finishes from the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead on the mountain's west side. There are a handful of check-in stations along the way and hikers must be at least 18.

Join the masses

The common man trek to the top is the Mount Washington Observatory's Seek the Peak July 23 and 24. This is the tenth time Obs fans will make the pilgrimage to the summit home of both weather observers and an aloof black cat named Marty. Some 500 people are expected for the day where hikers choose their own trails up and down the mountain. To break up the hike, several participants take a tour of the observatory before heading down for post-trek sustenance and concert at the mountain's base.

Have a Newton at Newton’s

Serious road bicyclists know the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is filled within hours of opening registration. Newton's Revenge is the spillover race that's trying to make a name for itself in the shadow of a rather daunting and respected big brother.  The race is scheduled for July 10 and still has slots available. First held in 2006, an interesting side note is that only one woman has won every Newton's  Revenge (foul weather cancelled it in 2007). Marti Shea of Marblehead, Mass. has been unbeatable. Now that's a way to make a name for yourself.

Run Forrest run

The road race up the Rockpile turns 50 next month. First held in 1936, then forgotten during World War II with a few other years missing for hiatus, the 50th Mount Washington Road Race is scheduled for June 19. With this challenging run comes the introduction of the Mount Washington Road Race Hall of Fame. Bob Hodge is in. He's the only person to win the race seven times and set three new course records too. Diminutive six-time winner  Anna Pichrtova is in along with New Hampshire Gary Crossan who won four times. An English coal miner named Fred Norris won the race only once but he set a then-course record in 1962 of 1:04:57. Here's the rub. He was 40!

That’s all folks

Perhaps the least known Mount Washington challenge is November's Porky Gulch Classic . A mix of on- and off-road racing and riding, the two-day race features three stages which includes a two-mile climb on the Auto Road (the other stages are a crit through the closed for the season Story Land amusement park in Glen and a cyclocross race at Great Glen Trails with obstacles). Scheduled for November 6 and 7, The Toughest Two is a time trial with cyclists leaving at 30 second intervals. The best part of The Toughest Two is when it's over. That's the only time cyclists are officially allowed to ride down the Mount Washington Auto Road.